This article describes how science teachers can integrate technology into their classrooms as tools to spur innovative thinking and foster creativity. The article mentions three easy ways to encourage creativity, learning, and develop skill with technological tools for students. These steps are - give students tools, time, and then fairly vague instructions about assignment/project. Rather than give students explicit instructions, the authors recommend teaching students how to use certain technologies and then let them decide how to apply them to complete an assignment. The article provided several interesting examples of how students have applied technology to their science projects. In one class, the teacher simply asked the class to work in groups to create a project that explained how waves work. While most students created PowerPoint presentations, one group created a music video in which their original song lyrics described exactly what the teacher asked: how waves work. In another example, students used a microphone to record themselves riding a roller coaster and explaining the physics behind their ride. They then created a podcast out of their recording. As the authors said, the application of technology allowed the technology itself to become invisible in a sense. Rather than the use of technology being the project itself, students were able to become comfortable enough with the devices to just use them as tools to serve their purpose.
Could technology be used in the classroom with young students?
I plan on teaching PK - 2 and even though they seem too young to grasp complex concepts of the internet, I believe even the youngest of students can express creativity through the use of technology with guidance and help. These are the kids who are able to program mom and dad's cell phones while the parents just sit there in amazement! Technology is an excellent teaching tool that even kindergartners can benefit from. The key is to tailor the tasks so they are age and subject appropriate. Students can make their own podcasts by speaking into microphones and with the help of the instructor. They would surely enjoy hearing their own voice as they present on their particular subjects.
Would it be easy to implement ideas like these into my own classroom?
I think that this article showed how it is applicable to every subject, not just science. Teachers should make the effort to teach their students how to apply technology, and then give them the opportunity to do so.
Could technology be used in the classroom with young students?
I plan on teaching PK - 2 and even though they seem too young to grasp complex concepts of the internet, I believe even the youngest of students can express creativity through the use of technology with guidance and help. These are the kids who are able to program mom and dad's cell phones while the parents just sit there in amazement! Technology is an excellent teaching tool that even kindergartners can benefit from. The key is to tailor the tasks so they are age and subject appropriate. Students can make their own podcasts by speaking into microphones and with the help of the instructor. They would surely enjoy hearing their own voice as they present on their particular subjects.
Would it be easy to implement ideas like these into my own classroom?
I think that this article showed how it is applicable to every subject, not just science. Teachers should make the effort to teach their students how to apply technology, and then give them the opportunity to do so.
Mader, J., Smith, B. (2009, August). Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!). Learning & Leading with Technology, 37, Retrieved August 7, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfmSection=August_No_1_2&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4363&ContentID=23906&DirectListComboInd=D%
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